Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has admitted he is amazed by Lamine Yamal’s rapid rise, insisting the teenager is performing at a level rarely seen in football.
Iniesta, who experienced the emergence of Lionel Messi during his decorated spell at Barcelona, believes Yamal’s development is similarly extraordinary.
The 19-year-old winger has made a spectacular start to the current campaign, scoring seven goals in his first seven La Liga appearances.
Iniesta: Yamal’s level is ‘not normal’
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Iniesta was asked whether it was normal to see a player as young as Yamal performing at such a high level.
“Is it normal to see Yamal at this level at 19? No, it’s not normal,” Iniesta said.
“Otherwise there would be more players capable of achieving it.”
Yamal has already established himself as one of Barcelona’s most important attacking players despite his age, regularly taking responsibility in decisive areas of the pitch.
For Iniesta, however, the winger’s statistics only tell part of the story.
Barcelona legend praises Yamal’s mentality
The former Spain international was particularly impressed by Yamal’s ambition and the apparent ease with which he handles the pressure of performing for one of the biggest clubs in world football.
“What is beautiful and important about it all is his ambition, his ease, and the fact that – when you think about it – what lies ahead for him is magnificent,” Iniesta added.
Yamal’s current form has only increased expectations around his future, but Iniesta believes the teenager still has significant room to develop.